Thanksgiving Vacations in 2019

Where to go this Thanksgiving

Leave the sofa and weekend TV behind and use the two days of extra holiday to explore more of the world this Thanksgiving. Stick to the Northern Hemisphere for winter wonderlands including Iceland for a memorable time searching for the Northern Lights. Or if the thought of Black Friday madness leaves you cold, there's plenty of destinations enjoying the start of their summer period from the comforting warm climes of Southeast Asia to Latin America and India.

We have a range of tours departing over the Thanksgiving period and here we've selected some of our most popular 5-15 day itineraries to a variety of exotic destinations that capitalise on the long holiday weekend. The world definitely is your oyster so if you're looking for something even longer or perhaps to a particular place, check out our full range of destinations for more tour ideas.

Thanksgiving vacations to Asia

November is a great time to visit the southeast part of Asia with the monsoon rains having passed on to leave stunning verdant landscapes, particularly in the north of Thailand and Vietnam where you can trek through rice terraces to meet local hill tribes. It also makes November a great time to visit the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, free from torrential downpours and highly evocative as the lush jungle consumes the ancient ruins. In the Far East of Asia, temperatures are getting considerably colder but that's not to stop you from visiting the Great Wall in China.

Thanksgiving vacations to Latin America

It's topsy-turvy in Latin America - while the States are heading towards the depths of winter, countries south of the equator are welcoming the summer months, making November a great time to experience the great outdoors from the Andes to Patagonia in Argentina and Chile. The rains will soon start in Peru so now's the last chance to trek the Inca Trail without getting soaked while in Central America the rains are starting to clear so great for beaches and exploring ancient ruins. For many in the States, Mexico is just a short flight away so minimal travel time required.

Thanksgiving vacations to the Middle East

If you like your heat dry then the Middle East is a top destination. Temperatures in late November are pleasantly warm without being unbearable hot, which is ideal for sightseeing around Egypt and Jordan for their ancient wonders and outdoor adventures. It does get a little colder at night so take layers if you're considering heading to Morocco and the Sahara desert or Israel for its numerous religious monuments.

Thanksgiving vacations to India and the Subcontinent

The monsoon rains have passed come November and the national parks of India are open once again, making it the perfect time to go on a tiger safari and explore the country's incredible sites. Another top destination for wildlife safaris is Sri Lanka where the west side of the country is generally dry. It's autumn in the Himalayas so a good time to visit Bhutan where it's still mild and the snow has yet to fall.

Thanksgiving vacations to Africa

This Thanksgiving is unlikely to be your first rodeo so how about swapping the usual animals that grace the family dining table with the exotic wildlife of Africa? East Africa is largely considered a year-round destination with Kenya and Tanzania experiencing short rains in November that won't hamper your safari adventures too much. In southern Africa the rains are drawing in which transforms the arid landscapes of Namibia while nearby at Victoria Falls visibility is at its best after the dry season.

These are just some suggestions of exciting travel destinations this Thanksgiving but if you're thinking of somewhere else or prefer a private holiday with friends and family, contact our tailor-made team to start planning that dream trip. Need a little more inspiration? Take a look at our pick of top destinations in November to help you decide on the ideal beach break or wildlife adventure this Thanksgiving vacation.

Life can be unpredictable and we understand that sometimes it’s necessary to change or delay your travel plans. With our LIFETIME DEPOSIT guarantee, you can book our Signature tours safe in the knowledge that if you’re unable to travel, your deposit is fully transferable and will be held for an unlimited time.

On The Go's Signature group tours place local interaction and authenticity at the heart of your cultural travel experience. Upping the comfort stakes, this range is a clear cut above our Budget range.

Appealing to a wide age demographic from the 20s to 60+, we maximize your days with excitement and awe and then bring you home to a comfortable 4* hotel with western amenities, air-conditioning, WiFi and, where appropriate, a swimming pool. Hotels can sometimes be of 3 or 5 star standard too, ensuring you get the best value for your holiday.

Visiting all the main attractions you’ll be accompanied throughout by our highly qualified English-speaking local guides too. Group size is typically 18 with a maximum for 24, apart from festival tours, where group sizes can be larger due to the one-off nature of these events.

Handpicked

Iconic Experiences, Local Partners

On our Handpicked range we bring you the most iconic experiences in destinations where you’ll join travellers from other travel brands on your tour, safari or sailing holiday. Collaborating with our carefully handpicked portfolio of local partners, these holidays represent exceptional value and there’ll be plenty of cultural experiences shared with other like-minded travellers.

Group sizes and accommodation standards vary by destination where typical group size is 28 travellers and hotels, boats and safari lodges are of a 3-4 star standard.

Active

Trek, Cycle and Sightsee

Our Active range brings you thrilling trekking and cycling holidays to some of the world's most popular destinations. Whether it’s trekking to the Lost City of Petra in Jordan or cycling around the Angkor temples in Cambodia, you’ll get to explore more of your chosen destination than just the standard highlights, either by bike or on foot. There will still be lots of cultural experiences and even the occasional wildlife encounter along the way. You'll need a good level of fitness and an intrepid spirit.

Group sizes are small and average around eight travellers. The accommodation you’ll be staying in reflects the off-the-beaten track nature of these trips with simple hotels, wild & fixed camping, homestays and local guest houses for value and convenience.

Budget

Value and Freedom

Our Budget range is the perfect choice for independent spirits travelling on a shoestring. As well as guided sightseeing of the key highlights, there’s also ample free time to explore independently or partake in optional excursions that maximise your time in each destination. Few meals are included, allowing you the freedom to choose exactly where you eat and spend your evenings out, with the added bonus of enabling you to stay in control of your spending.

Many tours in this range include a local payment and this pricing system helps keep costs down so you can be sure we’re delivering the best possible value. You’ll be travelling by both private and public transport – think buses, trains and feluccas. Accommodation ranges from dome tents to a surprise 4-star hotel at a 3-star price. And with a maximum group size of 32, these tours are designed to create a social and fun travel experience.